Citizen Advisory Board
Points of Discussion

What has happened in Alaska to improve water system capabilities?

Villages 

1. "Cross-cutting" regulation that would require all systems to meet TFM.
2. If needed; funds for O & M cost could be reserved for period to be determined.
3. VSW use of DEC TFM criteria.
4. Deal with turnover – "Create Technical Heritage."

• Intergenerational service / AmeriCorp Vista.

• Educational programs for students.

• Utility training geared to rural Alaska.

5. State pays for operator training.
6. Encourage village affiliations or partnerships (V to V, V to M, V to private).
7. Piggy-back on other entities that add or provide capabilities to or near villages.

Issues
Rural systems with simple systems are upgraded (for a variety of reasons, including "subsidies"). These will fail to meet national TFM expectations.

What has happened in Alaska to improve water system capabilities?

Small Non-Municipal Community Systems

1. RCA (Regulatory Commission of Alaska) actively exercises regulatory authority.
2. "Cross-cutting" regulations (similar to villages).
3. RCA economic regulation ("F" of TFM) "Fitness Test."
4. Move to use DWSRF for systems to promote TFM (linked deposit).
5. Operator training paid by DEC.
6. Incentives for consolidation.
7. Financial incentives for TFM.
8. Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).
9. DEC use of SNC information to consumers.
10. State law: If within X’ of existing main, then must connect.
11. Board member training.

Issues
Apathy – usually won’t take action until enforcement; uninformed consumers.

Lack management, financial, and legal knowledge – don’t recognize legal responsibilities.

Lack of public capital (remove disincentive).

Limited knowledge of management and financial management required.

If your interested please contact James Weise at (907) 269-7647 or Jame_Weise@dec.state.ak.us